File Format & Compatibility

How to Fix Excel Chart Paste Link Not Updating in Microsoft Word

Elise Williams Oct 16, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user is unable to update or delete a linked Excel chart embedded in an existing Word document.

Fixing Excel Chart Paste Link Not Updating in Microsoft Word

Product: Microsoft Word / Microsoft Excel
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Attempting to update an existing linked Excel chart in a Word document using the Update Link feature.
Observed behavior: The linked chart fails to update to reflect the latest Excel data, and the chart object cannot be deleted from the Word document. Because links to PowerPoint work correctly, this appears to be a Word-specific issue.

Before you start

Before troubleshooting, verify that the original Excel workbook is saved in a locally accessible drive or cloud folder, and ensure it has not been moved, renamed, or deleted.

Solution 1Recommended

Verify the Source Path and Repair the Link

Check if the file path to the source Excel workbook is still valid and re-establish the broken link in Word.

Often, linked charts stop updating because the original Excel file was moved to a different folder or renamed, breaking the specific path that Word uses to fetch new data.

Access Edit Links

In your Word document, click on 'File', select 'Info' from the left menu, and look for 'Edit Links to Files' in the bottom right corner under Related Documents.

Check the Source Path

In the Links dialog box, select the problematic Excel chart link from the list. Verify if the 'Source file' path exactly matches the current location of your Excel workbook.

Change the Source

If the path is incorrect, click 'Change Source', browse your computer to find the current location of the Excel workbook, select it, and then click 'Update Now'.

Verify the Source Path and Repair the Link

Manual Deletion Workaround: If you still cannot delete the unresponsive chart object directly, try selecting the paragraph marks immediately above and below the chart and pressing the Delete or Backspace key to remove the entire block.

Solution 2

Test the Document in Word Online or Another PC

Determine if the update failure is caused by a local Word application bug or corruption in the document itself.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Try WPS Office for Seamless Document Linking

If Microsoft Word continues to struggle with updating linked Excel charts or freezing when managing objects, consider switching to WPS Office. It provides a lightweight, highly compatible environment for your Word documents and Excel spreadsheets without the common linking errors.

1. Install WPS Office: Download and install the free WPS Office suite on your device.
2. Open Existing Documents: Open your existing .docx and .xlsx files directly in WPS Writer and WPS Spreadsheet without losing formatting.
3. Create Reliable Links: Copy the chart from your Spreadsheet, and use 'Paste Special' > 'Paste Link' in Writer to maintain a healthy, instantly updating connection.

Fully compatible with Microsoft Word (.docx) and Excel (.xlsx) formats.Seamlessly copy, paste, and link charts between spreadsheets and documents.Free, lightweight, and fast to launch on any device.Familiar user interface requires no learning curve to switch.

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is the 'Update Link' option greyed out in Word?

This typically occurs when Word completely loses track of the source file, or if the document is opened in Protected View. Ensure the original Excel file is accessible and click 'Enable Editing' at the top of the Word document.

How do I forcibly delete an unresponsive linked object in Word?

If the chart object is frozen and pressing 'Delete' does nothing, open the Selection Pane (Home > Select > Selection Pane), click the eye icon to hide the chart, and then try deleting it. Alternatively, delete the text surrounding the chart.

Will breaking the link fix the document freezing?

Yes, if you no longer need the chart to update automatically. Breaking the link (File > Info > Edit Links to Files > Break Link) converts the linked chart into a static picture or standard embedded object, which often resolves freezing and unresponsiveness.

Document & File Issues